Aryna Sabalenka v Nick Kyrgios: Battle of the Sexes event ‘not damaging’ to women’s sport

Critics have questioned Kyrgios’ suitability as the male protagonist, given he admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021 and has made a series of comments which have been considered misogynistic.

Last year Kyrgios shared a post from controversial influencer Andrew Tate before later distancing himself from the self-proclaimed misogynist.

Asked if he understood the criticism given his previous behaviour, Kyrgios told BBC Sport: “Of course. But that’s what life is. You make comments when you’re younger and you change.”

The former world number 13 said he is a “different person” now, adding: “I’m not going to sit here and say I’m an amazing role model, but I’ve grown and I’m definitely more mature now.”

Kyrgios said he has not given “a thought” to the possibility he could become a poster boy for misogynists ready to criticise women’s sport if he beats Sabalenka.

“This is the only thing I’m good at – hitting a ball over a net and giving people a show,” he said.

“So I can’t do anything other than hope me and Aryna play our best tennis and, at the end of the day, whoever wins, that our handshake afterwards solidifies the union between males and females in the tennis world.”

Kyrgios, who has been open about his alcohol and drug abuse in the past, said he is not concerned about losing face if he loses to Sabalenka.

“I’m never worried. I know how I’ve responded with things in my life,” he said.

“This is all a bonus. I’ve lost tennis matches before, so it’s not really a big deal.”

Kyrgios said he sees the event, as well as recent exhibitions in Atlanta and New York alongside Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul – as crucial preparation for a fuller return to the ATP Tour in 2026.

A knee injury means he has not played on the tour since the Miami Open in March, but he said there are “real positive signs” in his fitness.